Netflix announces three European launches

Netflix has released details of its planned expansion, launching in Spain, Italy and Portugal this October.

At launch, the Netflix offering will include such original series as Marvel’s Daredevil, Sense8, Bloodline, Graceand Frankie, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Marco Polo; documentaries Virunga, Mission Blue; and docuseries Chef’s Table as well as various stand-up comedy specials. Netflix is fully localised, offering subtitles and dubbing.

Among the shows scheduled for launch later this year are Netflix Original series Narcos, telling the story of the drug trade and Pablo Escobar’s cartel, and Club de Cuervos, a comedy around a family feud after the owner of a professional soccer team dies, as well as Marvel’s Jessica Jones, the second of four Marvel series that will be available exclusively on Netflix, leading up to the mini-series event The Defenders.

The content streaming giant has more than 62 million members in over 50 countries enjoying more than 100 million hours of TV shows and movies per day. Last month, the company announced that smart TVs, Blu-ray players and set top-boxes from several brands sold across Europe will come with a remote control that has a dedicated button to tune into Netflix. Devices from Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Toshiba and Vestel will now come with the remote control feature.

Although a button that gives direct access to Netflix has been common on remote controls for smart TVs and Blu-ray players in the US for years, this is the first time such a product has been available to consumers in Europe.

“The new Netflix button on remotes in Europe makes watching Netflix as easy as changing the channel on traditional TV, allowing viewers to enjoy our great programming much quicker,” said Bill Holmes, head of business development for Netflix.